उत्तराखण्ड
IG Kumaon Holds Public Dialogue in Haldwani, Calls for Collective Action Against Cybercrime, Drugs and Road Accidents
‘
The programme, organised under the direction of Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Manjunath TC, focused on creating awareness among citizens about cybercrime, women and child safety, road safety and the growing threat of drug abuse under the ‘Suraksha Kavach of Devbhoomi’ campaign.
The programme began with IG Nivedita Kukreti taking the guard of honour at the Haldwani Kotwali premises. Superintendent of Police (Crime/Traffic), Nainital, Dr. Jagdish Chandra, presented a memento to the IG and formally initiated the public interaction.
Cybercrime taking new forms
Addressing the gathering, the IG said that criminals were increasingly using technology to commit fraud, making public awareness and digital vigilance essential. Citizens were briefed about emerging forms of cybercrime, including online financial fraud, AI-based cybercrime, fake investment schemes, digital arrest scams and mule accounts.
People were advised not to share OTPs, passwords, banking details or other sensitive information with unknown persons and to verify suspicious calls, links and investment offers before taking any action.
The police also explained that victims of cyber fraud should immediately contact the 1930 cybercrime helpline and register their complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Information was also provided about the Money Restoration Module (MRM), which can assist in initiating action to freeze fraudulently transferred funds.
Special focus on women and child safety
Women and child safety was another major focus of the programme. Citizens were informed about facilities such as Zero FIR, SOS and live-location services, One Stop Centre (Sakhi), Women Helpline 181 and Mahila Cheetah Police.
The police also briefed participants about the provisions of the new criminal laws—BNS, BNSS and BSA—and mechanisms available for protecting children, including Child Helpline 1098, Mission Vatsalya and Child Welfare Committees (CWC).
Road safety and the importance of the ‘Golden Hour’
During the interaction, officials also highlighted the importance of road safety and responsible behaviour on the roads. Participants were briefed about the Golden Hour, during which timely medical assistance can significantly improve the chances of saving an accident victim.
The role of Good Samaritans, ANPR cameras, e-challan systems and black-spot improvement measures in reducing road accidents was also discussed. Citizens were urged to follow traffic rules and assist accident victims whenever it was safe to do so.
Public participation sought in the fight against drugs
Under the ‘Drug-Free Devbhoomi’ campaign, the police highlighted the ongoing Operation Prahar and the zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers.
Information was also shared regarding action against illegally acquired properties of drug traffickers, including their seizure and demolition where legally applicable.
IG Nivedita Kukreti appealed to citizens to actively participate in the campaign against drugs. She urged people to confidentially report information about drug trafficking or illegal drug-related activities through 1800-137-7001 (Dial Against Drugs) or the MANAS portal.
Citizens raise local issues before IG
The programme was not limited to police awareness activities. Representatives of schools and colleges, trade associations, social organisations, senior citizens and local residents directly raised various public-interest issues and local concerns before the IG.
The IG listened to the issues and suggestions and assured the participants that appropriate steps would be taken for their effective and time-bound resolution.
Students attending the programme also participated enthusiastically and showed particular interest in issues related to cyber safety, road safety, women’s security and building a drug-free society.
Emergency helplines highlighted
Citizens were also reminded of important emergency numbers, including 112 for police assistance, 181 for women’s assistance, 1098 for child-related emergencies and 1930 for cyber fraud.
The police appealed to residents to immediately contact the authorities in case of an emergency or if they come across information regarding criminal activities or drug trafficking.
Police officials, students and social representatives participate
The programme was attended by SP Haldwani Manoj Kumar Katyal, SP Communications Nainital Revadhar Mathpal, CO Lal Kuan/Haldwani Vimal Prasad, Haldwani Kotwali Inspector Vijay Mehta, Kathgodam Inspector Jasveer Singh Chauhan, Banbhoolpura Inspector Dinesh Fartyal, Mukhani Inspector Sushil Joshi, Traffic Inspector Bhupesh Pandey, SSP Nainital Reader Ramesh Singh Negi, along with other police officials.
Representatives of educational institutions, students, trade associations, social organisations, senior citizens and prominent local residents also participated in the public dialogue.
The programme delivered a clear message that building a safer Devbhoomi requires not only effective policing but also active participation, awareness and cooperation from citizens.
